Saturday, December 15, 2007

Homicide in Louisiana

Lot of tragedies keep happening on a daily basis- People get shot, people get killed in an accident, many bad things happen to good people. We keep hearing news of such bad things happening to ‘other’ people. They always happen to ‘other’ people. It doesn’t happen to us.

What happens when it happens to one of us?

Yesterday, a very close friend of my family, Chandrasekhar Reddy Komma, was shot and killed in Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge (USA). He went for a quick visit to his friend Kiran Kumar Allam. During that time, it looks like few guys entered the apartment of Kiran Kumar Allam. Exact details are not known but looks like there was some struggle. Chandrasekhar was found shot dead with one bullet in his head (along with Kiran). Chandrasekhar was strangled with computer cable before he was shot.

Chandrasekhar, known to us as Bujji, is a very close and dear friend of my brother. They studied together at LSU in Baton Rouge and they visit each other’s families on a regular basis. Bujji is a good friend to all of us including my parents. Bujji’s sense of comedy is unique and he can split you in laughter with his most amazing banter. I came back from my recent visit to Louisiana where we spent good time with Bujji to tell my wife that he has one of the most wonderful ‘sense of humor’ – he keeps cracking you up all the time.

He was on the verge of finishing up his PhD and was looking forward to many new things. He got married recently. And just few days ago, he bought a new car so that he can go around with his new wife. My brother was looking forward to their more visits .

Gun Culture in USA

Of late, we have been hearing many shooting incidents from US. The main reason, though some people do not admit it, is the easy access to firearms.

The USA qualifies as one of the weirdest countries on the planet when it comes to their second amendment of their constitution. This has been the most controversial amendment in their constitution and most retrograde. No other country in the developed world has similar attitude or laws towards owning and operating firearms.

So many killings have happened, so many shootings, snipers using their weapons to shoot innocent people from far away, students killing their mates in their schools and so many other crimes, and yet US continues to keep this controversial amendment going on because of a very strong and rich gun lobby.

Today, we are all sad, deep in grief. My brother and my family are not able to reconcile to this news – we have so many memories with Bujji. And yet, I write here on this blog. I am outraged, at how much this country is ready to endure, how many more people it is ready to sacrifice before they mature up, and stop their gun culture.

Links: [1], [2], [3], [4]

11 comments:

  1. Thats very sad news. Condolences from my side.

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  2. My condolences Sujai. May God give Bujji's family and friends all the courage.

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  3. I work with people (Americans) who fully support the continuance of the second amendment and I don't understand them. I have brought it up with them and they have no qualms about it. They are plain insane on this matter.

    My condolences, Sujai.

    ~ Vinod

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  4. Interpretation of the second amendment hinges upon one's view of the function of the commas.
    This article explains:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/opinion/16freedman.html?ex=1198472400&en=f85205fcf3bc4f29&ei=5070&emc=eta1

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  5. I was saddened to read about the twin murder. Having been someone known to you closely, it must hurt even more.

    Even though this post is short, I recommend you also post it on Desicritics.

    My condolences go to the families of both victims.

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  6. Sorry to hear that Sujai. Wishing his family strength at this time of need.
    -chirkut

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  7. My condolences to you and your brother Sujai...I was saddened to hear of this incident too...

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  8. Hey Sujai,

    My condolences to you and also your friend's family. I can totally relate to how you must be feeling right now! I lost a good friend some time back and obviously incidents don't hit you hard as you correctly said, unless it happens to someone you know or close to you.
    Another example of how money plays a role in politics. The gun lobby pays for the election campaigns hence a strong support!

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  9. Sujai, I am a reguar reader of your blog and I would like to convey my condolences to you and your brother. It is indeed hard on us when it strikes so close to us.

    Now is probably an insensitive time to bring up the issue of gun control, so I will let it rest for now and discuss it later with you if you decide to do a post on it.

    Again, my sincere condolences to your family and the family of your friends who have lost their sons!

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  10. Heartfelt condolences. Such a sad thing to happen. I fail to understand what the robbers thought of getting out of robbing a Ph.D student!

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  11. Its not just gun lobbyying ..most of the conservatives strongly belive in Second amendment. Look at the press coverage Huckabee getting for a hunting trip ...

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